FIRST DRIVE: 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI and R Mk7.5

The Volkswagen Golf is undoubtedly one of Wolfsburg’s many pride and joys, and as far as performance-oriented hatches go, it hardly gets better than the Golf GTI and R. Now in its Mk7.5 facelift guise, there are a few visual and mechanical changes that come with them, but which is more worth your money?

The Golf GTI is a car many consider to be the ideal all-in-one; it’s immensely quick, nimble and practical at the same time. It’s now on sale for RM225,888 with zero-rated GST. For the more avid enthusiast, the Golf R is RM53,000 dearer at RM278,888 (also without GST). With 60 PS and 30 Nm more over the GTI, just how can the price difference be justified?

Well, all will be answered soon. Find out what we think of the Golf GTI and R Mk7.5 facelift in the video above, and let us know what you think of our verdict. Also, we’re thinking of pitting the Golf R against some other high-profile hatches, like the FK8 Civic Type R for example. Fancy some octane-filled Driven episode, anyone? ;)


GALLERY: 2018 Volkswagen Golf R Mk7.5

GALLERY: 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk7.5

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Matthew H Tong

An ardent believer that fun cars need not be fast and fast cars may not always be fun. Matt advocates the purity and simplicity of manually swapping cogs while coping in silence of its impending doom. Matt's not hot. Never hot.

 

Comments

  • Halim raya on Jun 14, 2018 at 11:43 am

    All new Golf GTI price 226K. 2013 Golf GTI 128K, goodings RV

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 7
    • Autobahn on Jun 19, 2018 at 8:52 am

      It is funny when you guys start talking about handling ability and general performance of these two cars when both of you dont have any racing credibility. If you notice even at top gear they will get the professional driver like the stig to validate these findings. Maybe paultan can invite racing car celeb like alex yoong to give input on performance of these cars.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
      • Why the need for input from professional F! driver. Most of the buyer will be normal driver like you and me. So better sticks to input from our reviewers@2Paultan.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Inklings on Jun 14, 2018 at 12:04 pm

    I think we all know and recognize the prowess of the Golfs but it’s the many negative feedback on VW’s poor maintenance/after-sales service that make us potential buyers stay away.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 13
    • Ah Beng Workshop on Jun 14, 2018 at 2:57 pm

      Not the GTIs and Rs. The are supremely reliable and is rated as the best there is in the world today.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 1
  • Ben Yap on Jun 14, 2018 at 12:19 pm

    good looking car. much better than myvi.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
  • Golf R vs A45 AMG vs Civic Type R Driven episode guys..it’ll be so much fun..eagerly awaiting it..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 0
  • Holofanboi on Jun 14, 2018 at 9:15 pm

    Kudos to the editor for this vid! Didnt notice any jarring transition and audio levels are niceeeeely balanced considering the tyre roar in the cars.

    Talking speed was relaxing to hear for both Hafriz and Matthew – I didn’t need to focus to get the message!

    Im surprised the car can hold 5 without scraping the bump! Thats AMAZING considering how performance oriented the suspension is. Optima, Accord and even the Lexus ES fails at this part when they are FAMILY D segment sedans ~_~

    Overall, an enjoyable vid!

    PS: Looking macho with that Nato-strap Seiko Matthew!

    Hafriz is that a Tissot?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
    • Hafriz Shah (Member) on Jun 14, 2018 at 11:21 pm

      Thanks for the feedback!

      That’s a Frederique Constant btw :)

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
      • Holofanboi on Jun 15, 2018 at 10:53 am

        Whoa. Thats quite the jump from TW!

        Selamat Hari Raya to everyone at PT btw!

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
        • Hafriz Shah (Member) on Jun 15, 2018 at 11:29 am

          Thanks! Selamat Hari Raya and happy holidays, everyone!

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • Matthew H Tong (Member) on Jun 15, 2018 at 5:55 pm

      Hahaha thanks for the kind words man! Ah that’s a sailcloth strap I had on, not a NATO. Glad you enjoyed the video, and happy holidays!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • Same L0rr on Jun 14, 2018 at 10:15 pm

    Buy suprima s better. No DSG.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 13
  • LorSam on Jun 15, 2018 at 1:52 am

    Cannot sell Toyota anymore so now he ask people to buy Suprima. Toyota dead already ah?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 2
  • jhohigh on Jul 25, 2018 at 2:16 pm

    Why does the Golf R not come with Akrapovic exhaust?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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